Stari Bar Guide
Journey Through Time: Explore the Ancient Ruins of Stari Bar Guide
Stari Bar, or Old Bar, is a captivating ruined city nestled at the foot of Mount Rumija, just a short distance from the modern city of Bar. This historical gem offers a fascinating glimpse into Montenegro's rich past, with its well-preserved walls, crumbling churches, and remnants of a once-thriving urban center. Prepare to be transported back in time as you wander through its narrow streets and discover the stories etched into its ancient stones. Stari Bar boasts a history spanning over two millennia, having been influenced by various empires and cultures, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Originally founded as a fortified settlement, it served as a crucial strategic point throughout the centuries. The city's strategic importance led to numerous sieges and battles, resulting in its eventual abandonment in 1878 after Montenegro gained independence from the Ottoman Empire. The inhabitants relocated to the coastal area, establishing what is now modern Bar. Visitors can explore the remnants of the city walls, the Ottoman aqueduct, several churches (including St. George's Cathedral), and the ruins of residential buildings. Climbing to the citadel offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the modern city and the Adriatic Sea. While in the area, be sure to sample local Montenegrin cuisine at one of the restaurants in the nearby village. Try *ćevapi* (grilled minced meat), *burek* (flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat), or fresh seafood from the Adriatic.
Transportation
The easiest way to reach Stari Bar is by taxi or car from Bar. Local buses also run from Bar to the village near Stari Bar; from there, it's a short walk uphill to the entrance. Bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 all stop near Stari Bar.